A HEALTHCARE provider will continue to provide support for the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and trans-sexual (LGTB) community in York and North Yorkshire.

York company Benenden has supported the York Pride parade for some years and has now announced that it will sponsor the 2017 York Pride Community Pot.

The pot provides one-off donations of between £100 and £300 for registered charities and non-profit organisations for projects and works that benefit the LGBT community in York and North Yorkshire.

Chairman of York Pride, Greg Stephenson commented: “It is great to see Benenden once again supporting York Pride.

“We have worked with the organisation for several years, and to have them sponsor this facet of our charity which really supports the broader LGBT community in York and North Yorkshire feels like the perfect next step in our relationship.”

Claire Hetherington, of Benenden, said of York Pride: “We have been inspired by the work they do to promote equality and inclusivity in the city and beyond.

“This is why we’ve decided to sponsor the York Pride Community Pot, as it is a project which fits with Benenden’s values of equality and fairness and demonstrates how proud we are to be open to everyone.

“We’re really excited to be involved in the York Pride Community Pot this year and we’re looking forward to seeing all of the applications from the wider LGBT community groups.

“This initiative will really support our programme of engaging with wider community projects.”

This year’s parade through the city followed by a festival takes place on June 10.

Last year’s event attracted 8,000 people and a wide range of marchers.